My new AP Band

WalterBrian · August 30, 2007

Hello All,

I was banded 8/8/07 by Dr. Emma Patterson in Portland Oregon. I followed pre-op and post-op instructions fairly closely. When the first two weeks P.O. were over and it was time to experiment with real food( sort of)...something with a little taste and SOME texture. I expected to FEEL the small ouch. At 4 oz./meal I was starving so I went carefully to 8 oz. ( not counting Soups where I sometimes had as much as 12-16 oz. to get comfortably full)...what I felt at 8 oz.( and very occasionally a bit more) was absolutely NOTHING...no pressure...zero..If I didn't have scars to prove it, I'd believe there was no band. I found the as yet unfilled 10cc port.

Does anyone else have NO apparent restriction with the AP band?

It is a surprise to me. I am following an approximately 1000 cal./day diet regime, but the band is/would allow much much more.

What is new for me is the conscious chewing to make ~200 cal. take ~20-25 minutes to ingest. If I could have done this consistently I wouldn't have needed the band.

Though it may sound silly, I'm looking forward to the band saying "NO" as I typically swallow a huge unchewed something....a lifetime pattern of eating. For at least once,. I'd like to "feel" the presence of the small stomach, competing with my old two liter one.

It's just over a month since I went on the pre-surgical diet and 22 days since surgery and I'm down ~27 pounds..I'm pleased but I'm ready for the eating monster in my head to start telling me to inhale the horizon( when I start eating real foods with taste and texture).

It is a battle that will be endlessly repeated.

But for me, it is do this or die.

I'm surely one of the oldest new bandsters on this board...72 and smiling!

angeleyes32 · August 30, 2007

You took the words right out of my mouth. I was banded on the 17th and had my first post op yesterday. Doc said to start mushies and ease into normal food. Although I am watching my portion, I, too, am waiting for the "restriction". But, my doc said don't be surprised if you gain a little of the weight back before a fill. The fill is really the key to success. So, I'm not so discouraged. Still focusing on the big picture (or a smaller picture of me) which is ahead!

Iluvharleys · August 30, 2007

You are wide open, you haven't had a fill yet. This is the healing period so please follow your doctors orders. When you start getting fills, you will eat less and less. Good Luck!

nicnaknut · August 31, 2007

Wow Walter.... 72 and smiling... That is great!!!!! Good for you to get the band no matter how old you are... You are an inspiration to a lot of the older people.... It just goes to show that age is just a number....

In answer to your concern... Your band is in there and it is ok for you to still be able to eat and not feel full yet... Your band is wide open and doesn't have any restriction yet, because you are still going through the healing process.... About a month after your surgery the Dr will put a fill in your band and you should start getting that full feeling you are looking for....

It sounds like you are doing very well post surgery and losing weight...

Good Luck to you and keep on keeping on....

pronetus · September 1, 2007

Ok i was banded on 8 Aug too. I am on full solids, no restiction. I feel it if i eat too fast. My Doc showed me pics of the surgery. I have a large AP band. Basically, he said that I did not have as much fat around the upper stommach as some of his larger patients, and he showed me the pic of the space between the band and my stomach. Pretty big gap. He uses it as a reference for the first fill to have an idea of how much the first fill should be. He told me not to worry, that the fills would kick in. I lost 18 lbs from beginning of pre-op diet until now, but have stalled since eating solids. Fairly soft well chewed solids. Good thing is that I have not gained since. So don't worry AP'ers Maintain and try to do a regular low carb diet. Chew well and try smaller portions. Fills will kick in soon.

melanieinportla · September 22, 2007

I am also having surgery with Dr Patterson in Portland on 10/10. Do you know if she is using the new AP band with all her patients now? I was going to see if I could request it.

Have you had a fill yet? My husband got bandd about 2 weeks ago and he is filling no real restriction and like he needs a fill- same boat as you- looking forward to restriction. :eek:

Good luck,

m.

Candle · September 22, 2007

I have the APS and no restriction either. It's completely normal.

I've read that some people are getting the AP bands put in WITH a small fill in them already - around 1-1.5cc's. My doctor does not do this.

Hang in there!!

brandda · September 22, 2007

I seem to have the completely opposite situation. I was banded about two weeks ago and have just moved to mushies. If I do not chew like crazy and take my time with small bites, it either hurts like the dickens going down or I end up with massive PB/sliming. I am having to really control the size of my bites and how much I chew in order to eat.

I wonder what the difference is?

Pattypoo1 · September 24, 2007

This is very interesting. My Dr likes the VG and also the AP. He said he will decide which one to use when he gets in there, I was leaning toward the AP...I'd like to hear how you all are doing after a fill. Until then keep on track.